Governor Granholm Honors
91-Year-Old Volunteer Hero

The Governor George Romney Lifetime Achievement Award is given in honor of the late Governor George Romney, beloved state and national voice for service and volunteerism. The award was established to honor individuals who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to community involvement and volunteer service. Individuals who receive this award have made service a way of life.

Bud Weber has been volunteering as far back as anyone can remember. Bud and his wife, Gretchen, are longtime residents of Sault Ste. Marie, where his name is synonymous with “Good Samaritan.” He played a key role in starting the United Way of Chippewa County. He served as the first United Way Campaign Chair in the late 1950’s and as a campaign volunteer for 45 years. Today, 15 nonprofit organizations in the eastern Upper Peninsula are thriving because of Bud’s work. He became a member of the Lions Club in 1937 and is still a member today—that’s 66 years! In 1951, he helped draft the Sault Ste. Marie City Charter that is still in effect today. Bud has served on a number of nonprofit boards. His vision and action has been put to use at the Bayliss Public Library, Chippewa County International Airport, American Cancer Society, Camp Fire, Salvation Army, Red Cross, Hospice, and First United Presbyterian Church, just to name a few. Through his actions, Bud continues to make volunteer service his life’s greatest achievement.

Three individuals receiving Honorable Mention recognition for the Governor George Romney Lifetime Achievement award were Barbara Alban of Dearborn, Charles Cone of Farmington Hills, and Bobbie Wilson of Battle Creek.

The 2003 Governor’s Service Awards, proudly sponsored by State Farm Insurance Companies, are presented to individuals, groups, families, businesses, and organizations. The awards acknowledge the commitment volunteers make to meet the challenges facing communities. Friends, relatives, and colleagues submit nominations to pay tribute to those they feel exemplify the spirit of volunteer service. An objective peer review panel selected the winners and honorable mention recipients.